{"id":1163,"date":"2021-03-23T21:32:47","date_gmt":"2021-03-23T21:32:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growthinconnection.org\/?page_id=1163"},"modified":"2024-03-13T16:58:22","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T16:58:22","slug":"rct","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/growthinconnection.org\/rct\/","title":{"rendered":"What is RCT"},"content":{"rendered":"

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WHAT IS RELATIONAL-CULTURAL THEORY?<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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“The need for connection and community and the desire to be a part of meaningful and responsive relationships is at the heart of human experience.\u201d<\/h2>\n

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\u2014Judith V. Jordan, Ph.D.<\/p>\n

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In contemporary Western society, the individual is the key unit of analysis \u2014 each human being actively constructs a life through self-determination, self-motivation, and self-efficacy. While these values are deeply necessary for thriving, research has proven that they don\u2019t actively cultivate one of the most fundamental requisites for human happiness – healthy connection. In our hyper-individualist culture, far too many people live in isolation and quiet desperation. The predominant values of transaction, consumption, curation, and celebrity leave people feeling profoundly disconnected from one another\u2014in the family, the workplace, and the community. This disconnection has proven alarmingly dangerous to our social fabric. Not only does it allow people to demonize one another, but it also prevents us from truly being seen, known, understood, and appreciated by one another.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) celebrates the centrality of interdependence. Flying in the face of the so-called self-made person, RCT posits that we grow not through separation, but rather in and toward connection. We need connection just as we need air and water. Our bodies are exquisitely designed to manage stress by turning to trusted others when we are anxious or scared, but the chronic stimulation of fear without the availability of comfort and love moves us into helplessness and hopelessness. In contrast, when certain parts of the brain are activated, we feel a sense of calm even in the worst of times; the reduction in stress that comes from a healthy relationship and a sense of belonging is more powerful than that which can be stimulated by simply deep breathing or individual meditation. Thus, it becomes clear that growth-fostering relationships provide the resilience that enables us to persevere even in the most difficult times.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What does a growth-fostering relationship look like? For us, it comes down to a set of felt conditions that we call \u201cThe Five Good Things.\u201d In growth-fostering relationships…<\/span><\/p>\n

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Zest in emotional connection translates into a feeling of aliveness. This interplay is brimming with a sense of vitality and energy.<\/p>\n

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Empowered action\u00a0<\/span><\/em>translates into each person feeling more motivated and more able to take action in relationship beyond the dyad.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Each person develops a clearer understanding of the other\u2014and of the self. The relationship is more whole, more nuanced, more layered \u2014 and therefore, more accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The relationship enables each person to feel a greater sense of worth. We thrive when others recognize our existence \u2014 not in the abstract, but in the very moments we are face to face.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Each person feels more connected to the other and feels a greater motivation to connect with others in general.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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By contrast, the experience of disconnection is considered the opposite of The Five Good Things: a decreased sense of energy, an inability to act constructively, confusion regarding self and others, and a decreased sense of worth that may cause one to turn away from relationships in general.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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RCT embodies a wide range of elegant reframes for the ways in which we engage in personal relationships. This includes a concept called <\/span>waging good conflict<\/em>. While conflict is inevitable in relationships, it can also be a source of affirmation and growth. By being able to hold conflict within connection we begin the transformative process of cultivating compassion for difference. Founding scholar of RCT, Jean Baker Miller, defined <\/span>waging good conflict<\/em> as respectfully engaging others while simultaneously holding one\u2019s own integrity with confidence and hope.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||13%|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||15%|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” text_font_size_tablet=”2.2vw” text_font_size_phone=”4.5vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_left=”#FD8C25″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The scope of RCT extends far beyond personal relationships to consider the structures and systems that shape our wider society. Over the years, RCT has come to influence scholarship and practice in psychology, psychiatry, counseling, education, the arts, organizational development, community development, faith and spirituality, and the environment.\u00a0 Our hope is that RCT will help shift the dominant paradigm from \u201cme\u201d to \u201cwe,\u201d thereby creating a more just and hopeful world. <\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Affinity Groups” module_id=”affinity” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_image=”https:\/\/growthinconnection.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ICGC_Header-Images-blue-line.png” z_index=”3″ custom_margin_tablet=”||400px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||600px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”54px|0px|5%|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||3%||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”54px|0px|2%|0px|false|false” da_popup_slug=”affinity” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”|60px|60px|” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#FD8C25″ _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#00536C” header_2_font_size=”2vw” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Rubik|500||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#098cf2″ header_3_font_size=”14px” header_3_letter_spacing=”2px” header_3_line_height=”2em” max_width=”500px” custom_padding=”|||5%|false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”2.2vw” text_font_size_phone=”4.2vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”6vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n

AFFINITY GROUPS<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Relational-Cultural Theory spans a variety of disciplines — among them, psychology and social work; neuroscience and medicine; social and economic justice; and education.<\/p>\n

In each of these areas, we are inviting people who are committed to join a group of kindred spirits to shape a learning and action agenda that draws on Relational-Cultural Theory in the respective disciplines. Our intention is to provide the basic structure for such an agenda so that the work can emerge organically, based on the needs and desires of those who participate. The three groups that have launched to date are described below. Please join us!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/growthinconnection.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/ICGC_Affinity-Groups_031921_v1.jpg” title_text=”ICGC_Affinity-Groups_031921_v1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”120%” custom_margin=”15%||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”70%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_cta title=”Education” button_url=”#education” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|700||on|||||” header_text_color=”#00536C” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_font=”||||||||” body_font_size=”1em” body_line_height=”2em” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”15px” button_text_color=”#FD8C25″ button_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”0px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”|700||on|||||” button_icon=”||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”light” min_height=”333px” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”5%||||false|false” animation_style=”zoom” animation_intensity_zoom=”20%” body_font_size_tablet=”2vw” body_font_size_phone=”4vw” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”min-height: 355px !important;” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#eff5f7″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical=”40px” box_shadow_blur=”60px” box_shadow_spread=”-10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.03)” button_letter_spacing_hover=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”2px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”min-height: auto !important;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”min-height: auto !important;”]<\/p>\n

The Education as a Relational Practice Group (EARP) is a community of educators from a range of domains who collaborate and support each other in a continuing exploration of RCT as a guiding force in education.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_cta title=”Ecology” button_url=”#ecology” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|700||on|||||” header_text_color=”#00536C” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_font=”||||||||” body_font_size=”1em” body_line_height=”2em” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”15px” button_text_color=”#FD8C25″ button_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”0px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”|700||on|||||” button_icon=”||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”light” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”5%||||false|false” animation_style=”zoom” animation_intensity_zoom=”20%” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” body_font_size_tablet=”2vw” body_font_size_phone=”4vw” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”min-height: 336px !important;” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#eff5f7″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical=”40px” box_shadow_blur=”60px” box_shadow_spread=”-10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.03)” button_letter_spacing_hover=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”2px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”]<\/p>\n

The Ecology Affinity Group supports the vision of a world where each of us, and the collective WE, live in relationship with our natural world through interactions grounded in respect, balance, mutuality, and genuine community, ever reminding us that \u201cwe are nature\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_cta title=”Psychotherapy” button_url=”#psychotherapy” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|700||on|||||” header_text_color=”#00536C” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_font=”||||||||” body_font_size=”1em” body_line_height=”2em” background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”15px” button_text_color=”#FD8C25″ button_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”0px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”|700||on|||||” button_icon=”||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”light” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”5%||||false|false” animation_style=”zoom” animation_intensity_zoom=”20%” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” body_font_size_tablet=”2vw” body_font_size_phone=”4vw” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”min-height: 336px !important;” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#eff5f7″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical=”40px” box_shadow_blur=”60px” box_shadow_spread=”-10px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.03)” button_letter_spacing_hover=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”2px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”]<\/p>\n

Relational Cultural Theory Psychotherapy Affinity Group is a community of mental wellness professionals who study and practice the healing power of connection and the creation of growth-fostering relationships in the clinical application of Relational Cultural Theory.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Feature” module_id=”care” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/growthinconnection.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/ICGC_Relationship-Quiz_031921_v1.jpg” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_center” z_index=”3″ custom_margin=”0px||400px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||600px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||700px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” use_background_color_gradient_phone=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”#00536c 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_stops_phone=”#00536c 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_start_tablet=”#00536c” background_color_gradient_start_phone=”#00536c” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” background_enable_image_phone=”off” da_popup_slug=”care” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” max_width=”900px” custom_margin=”|5%|||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|10%||” custom_margin_phone=”|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”100px|100px|100px|100px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|10%||10%||true” custom_padding_phone=”” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”20%” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”900px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#00536C” header_2_font_size=”2vw” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” max_width=”500px” custom_margin=”|||-38px” custom_padding=”|||30px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”6vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_all=”#FD8C25″ border_width_left=”8px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

HOW HEALTHY ARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||13%|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||15%|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” text_font_size_tablet=”2.2vw” text_font_size_phone=”4.5vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_left=”#FD8C25″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

CARE stands for the four basic elements of relational health: <\/span>calm, accepted, resonant, energetic.<\/b><\/p>\n

By exploring the quality of the relationships you spend the most emotional and physical time in, you will get a clearer sense of the collective impact your relationships have on your nervous system. Additionally, identifying the degree of safety in your relationships allows you to take relational risks that are more likely to be supported and to improve both the quality of the relationship and the functioning of your brain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, the information from the assessment is used to help you build a CARE strategy and select CARE exercises that both improve your health and strengthen the quality of your relationships. For those who want it, additional resources are available after taking the assessment.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/amybanksmd.com\/CARE\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Take The Assessment” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35B6D2″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”10px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”Muli|800||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”11px|32px|11px|32px|true|true” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” custom_css_main_element=”min-width: 250px;” button_letter_spacing_hover=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”2px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”#FD8C25″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Popup – #education” module_id=”education” module_class=”popup” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”3″ top_divider_style=”slant” top_divider_color=”#75C15C” top_divider_flip=”vertical|horizontal” da_is_popup=”on” da_popup_slug=”education” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”60px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#00536C” header_2_font_size=”1.4em” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Rubik|500||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#098cf2″ header_3_font_size=”14px” header_3_letter_spacing=”2px” header_3_line_height=”2em” max_width=”500px” text_font_size_tablet=”2.2vw” text_font_size_phone=”4.2vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”6vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Education as a Relational Practice Group<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00536C” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”3vw” text_font_size_phone=”5vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Relationships are a powerful site and source for learning. And so it follows that RCT informs the theory and practice of teaching and other developmental work such as mentoring. While RCT emerged primarily in the clinical domain, the founding scholars saw the theory\u2019s potential beyond therapeutic practice. \u201cThis vision of mutual development includes not only individuals and families, but also workplaces, schools, and other institutions \u2013 in other words, all of life,\u201d wrote Jean Baker Miller and Irene Stiver in 1997.<\/p>\n

The Education as a Relational Practice Group (EARP)<\/strong> is a community of educators from a range of domains who collaborate and support each other in a continuing exploration of RCT as a guiding force in education. Members share research and readings, and workshop syllabi, curriculum, and research projects. Potential projects include a conference and joint publication. We bring a strong social justice lens and commitment to our work. All who work in education and other developmental roles are invited to join.<\/p>\n

Relationship as a site and source for learning
<\/strong>The Five Good Things \u2013 energy, knowledge, sense of worth, action, and desire for more connection \u2013 provide a meaningful framework from which to understand the essence of powerful teaching and learning interactions and relationships. \u201cThese components are both essence and outcome as they form the heart of what goes on in connected teaching,\u201d writes Harriet L. Schwartz, PhD in Connected Teaching: Relationship, Power, and Mattering in Higher Education<\/em><\/a> (Stylus, 2019), the first book to apply RCT to higher education.\u00a0Central to RCT is understanding how people grow through and in relationship and this emphasis on growth is relevant to education at all levels including PreK-12, higher education (both undergraduate and graduate), mentoring, and adult learning. RCT\u2019s focus on social and cultural identities and context, power, and mutual empathy (which can also be understood as the idea that all people in a relationship are growing) position the theory as highly relevant to understanding teaching and learning, and considering schools and other organizations as complex systems.<\/p>\n

RCT-informed courses, degree programs, and K12 initiatives
<\/strong>While RCT helps teachers, school counselors, student affairs professionals and other educators reflect on and develop their practice, the theory is also at the heart of university courses and programs, and other learning initatives. Several universities offer RCT-related courses and\/or programs that have been designed and are guided by RCT. For example, University of Cincinnati, Carlow University, and St. Mary\u2019s University offer courses in RCT. In addition, The College of St. Scholastica uses RCT as a theoretical frame throughout the undergraduate and graduate social work programs and Carlow University designed its master\u2019s in student affairs program with RCT as a foundation for student affairs practice.<\/p>\n

On the doctoral level, Antioch University offers a PhD in leadership and change through a program that upends conventional models of doctoral education, fostering collaboration rather than competition among students, and power-with rather than power-over relationships between faculty and students. Antioch also offers seminars in RCT and several students have completed RCT-related dissertations. RCT continues to serve as a foundation in dissertations from a range of disciplines including counseling psychology, social work, leadership, and organizational studies.<\/p>\n

Additionally, other organizations apply RCT to transforming education and to community youth programs. For example, Open Circle, uses RCT to inform a curriculum and professional development program for elementary schools, drawing on RCT as a foundation for its social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum.<\/p>\n

For more information about the EARP<\/strong>, please sign up using the button below.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/lp.constantcontactpages.com\/sl\/rhZmDKt\/joinearp” button_text=”Join Group” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35B6D2″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”10px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”Muli|800||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”11px|32px|11px|32px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”min-width: 100%;” button_letter_spacing_hover=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”2px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”#FD8C25″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Popup – #ecology” module_id=”ecology” module_class=”popup” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”3″ top_divider_style=”slant” top_divider_color=”#75C15C” top_divider_flip=”vertical|horizontal” da_is_popup=”on” da_popup_slug=”ecology” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”60px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#00536C” header_2_font_size=”1.8vw” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Rubik|500||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#098cf2″ header_3_font_size=”14px” header_3_letter_spacing=”2px” header_3_line_height=”2em” max_width=”500px” text_font_size_tablet=”2.2vw” text_font_size_phone=”4.2vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”6vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Ecology Affinity Group<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00536C” text_font_size_tablet=”3vw” text_font_size_phone=”5vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The Ecology Affinity Group supports the vision of a world where each of us, and the collective WE, live in relationship with our natural world through interactions grounded in respect, balance, mutuality, and genuine community, ever reminding us that \u201cwe are nature\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mission Statement<\/strong>
We will create and support activities and programs that nurture our connection with Nature, and develop initiatives that foster relational awareness and sustainability with the natural world through partnerships with RCT practitioners, indigenous communities, and interested persons, groups, and organizations.<\/p>\n

Invitation<\/strong>
For us, it is clear that Relational-Cultural values of respect, mutuality, and care relate to \u201call that is\u201d\u2014human beings, the four-legged, winged, crawlers, and swimmers, the plants, plus the elements of earth, fire, air, water, and the heavens. We invite you to join us as we respond to the awareness that our existence as natural beings is distinct but not separate from our interdependent world and that our engagement with all aspects of Nature matters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For more information<\/strong><\/div>\n
The Ecology Affinity Group is currently reorganizing. If you want updated when the groups starts up again please email cgunderson@css.edu<\/a>.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”mailto:cgunderson@css.edu” button_text=”Join Group” button_alignment=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35B6D2″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”10px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”Muli|800||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”11px|32px|11px|32px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”min-width: 100%;” button_letter_spacing_hover=”2px” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”2px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”#FD8C25″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Popup – #psychotherapy” module_id=”psychotherapy” module_class=”popup” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”3″ top_divider_style=”slant” top_divider_color=”#75C15C” top_divider_flip=”vertical|horizontal” da_is_popup=”on” da_popup_slug=”psychotherapy” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”60px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#00536C” header_2_font_size=”1.3em” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Rubik|500||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#098cf2″ header_3_font_size=”14px” header_3_letter_spacing=”2px” header_3_line_height=”2em” max_width=”500px” text_font_size_tablet=”2.2vw” text_font_size_phone=”4.2vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”6vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Psychotherapy Affinity Group<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00536C” custom_padding=”||0px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”3vw” text_font_size_phone=”5vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The group invites members to engage in study and discussion of RCT concepts to advance theoretical understanding and increase practical skill in the art and science of mental health treatment.<\/p>\n

To register, please contact Myriam Barenbaum, LCSW-R, at mbeartree@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”mailto:mbeartree@aol.com” button_text=”Join Group” button_alignment=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35B6D2″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”10px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”Muli|800||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”11px|32px|11px|32px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”min-width: 100%;” button_letter_spacing_hover=”2px” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”2px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”#FD8C25″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Popup – #medicine” module_id=”medicine” module_class=”popup” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”3″ top_divider_style=”slant” top_divider_color=”#75C15C” top_divider_flip=”vertical|horizontal” da_is_popup=”on” da_popup_slug=”medicine” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”60px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#00536C” header_2_font_size=”1.7vw” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Rubik|500||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#098cf2″ header_3_font_size=”14px” header_3_letter_spacing=”2px” header_3_line_height=”2em” max_width=”500px” text_font_size_tablet=”2.2vw” text_font_size_phone=”4.2vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”6vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Medicine & Neuroscience Affinity Group<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1vw” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00536C” text_font_size_tablet=”3vw” text_font_size_phone=”5vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Isolation and loneliness are a health epidemic in this country. A 2018 survey of over 20,000 people in America revealed that a shocking 54% felt lonely or left out \u201calways\u201d or \u201csometimes\u201d. And there is no end in sight because the very nature of the hyper-individualistic society in the United States is to promote competition over cooperation, to judge and stratify individuals and groups and to pit people against each other for allegedly limited resources. Add in social media trends that may provide the illusion of connection without any sustaining relief from loneliness and we have the perfect storm creating a pathway to dis-ease. In fact, the most recent ranking of a countries overall health placed the United states at #34 \u2013 well below all other industrialized societies.<\/em><\/p>\n

The risk chronic disconnection plays in undermining health and well being has not gone unnoticed by established leaders in medicine.\u00a0 Back in 1998, the renowned cardiologist, Dean Ornish, wrote about the healing power of love in his bestselling book, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy:<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

“I am not aware of any other factor in medicine \u2013 not diet, not smoking, not exercise, not stress, not genetics, not drugs, not surgery \u2013 that has a greater impact on our quality of life, incidence of illness and premature death from all causes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

His statement amplified the voices of the Relational-Cultural Theory founding scholars who, a decade earlier, developed a theory of development that put healthy relationship at the center of human growth. Though the current American power over culture has been slow to adopt the message, emerging neuroscience may hold the power to finally change minds and behaviors.\u00a0 Imaging techniques developed in the last twenty years have allowed researchers to see into the brains and bodies of people as they act and interact and the findings have been as fascinating as they are surprising. The bottom line is that the connection between healthy relationships and well-being is now crystal clear – when people are surrounded by growth-fostering relationships they live longer, healthier and more rewarding lives.<\/p>\n

In Wired to Connect: The Surprising Link Between Brain Science and Strong, Healthy Relationships, <\/em>GIC\u2019s Dr. Amy Banks described the connection between health and relational neuroscience. She identified four neural pathways used in healthy relationships \u2013 each essential to the formation of strong bonds and to an increase in the core qualities of growth-fostering relationship described by Jean Baker Miller \u2013 zest, clarity, the ability to act, a sense of worth and a desire for more connection.<\/p>\n